Warwick the Kingmaker

Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, remains one of the most controversial personalities of fifteenth–century England. The archetypal over–mighty subject, he was the dominant figure in the dynastic revolutions at the heart of the fifteenth–century Wars of the Roses. Warwick played a pivotal role first in advancing the Yorkist cause, leading Edward IV to replace the Lancastrian Henry VI in 1461. Then, having lost influence at court, he changed sides and was reversed the process in 1470. Warwick "the Kingmaker" dominated national politics in his various roles as general, admiral, pirate, subaltern, administrator, politician, propagandist, statesman, and diplomat. This book illuminates Warwick′s character and motivation, showing that he was an emotional, charming, and popular man with a strong sense of family loyalty. It is the first full study of this compelling figure within the context of political life in late medieval England.

Plates. Genealogical Tables. Preface. Abbreviations. Part I: The Legend of Warwick the Kingmaker: . Part II: The Formative Years: . 1. Pedigree and Patrimony. 2. Northern Roots. 3. Shaping the Future. Part III: Earl of Warwick: . 4. Warwick Inheritance Update. 5. Gathering the Spoils. 6. Effectively Earl. 7. The Warwick Traditions. Part IV: The Polarisation of Politics 1449–54: . 8. The Ascendancy of the Opposition. 9. The Royalist Reaction 1451–3. 10. Time for Decision. Part V: Partisan Politics 1454–56: . 11. York′s First Protectorate 1454–5. 12. The First Battle of St Albans 1455. 13. York′s Second Protectorate 1455–6. Part VI: Countdown to Civil War 1456–59: . 14. Towards Reconciliation. 15. Captain of Calais and Keeper of the Seas. 16. The Opportunity Missed. 17. Rout. Part VII: Fortune′s First Wheel 1459–61: . 18. Reculer pour mieux sauter . 19. Warwick′s Triumph. 20. The Idealogy of Reform. 21. From Abyss to Victory. Part VIII: The Rule of The Nevilles 1461–7: . 22. The First Family. 23. The Pacification of the North. 24. Changing Priorities. Part IX: Dropping the Pilot: . 25. Growing Apart. 26. Rising Tensions 1467–9. 27. Warwick′s Coup 1469. Part X: Fortune′s Second Wheel 1469–71: . 28. Warwick′s Second Coup 1470. 29. Warwick as Kingmaker. 30. From Triumph to Disaster 1470–1. Part XI: Terminus: . Select Bibliography. Index.

Michael Hicks is Professor of Medieval History at King Alfred′s College, Winchester, and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He has published extensively on late medieval England and local history. His recent books include Bastard Feudalism (1995); Richard III (2000) and English Political Culture in the Fifteenth Century (2002).

"Thoroughly recommended to anyone wanting to make sense of the bloodbath in late medieval English history known as the Wars of the Roses." BBC History Magazine <!––end––> "Hicks′ book will be the standard work on Warwick." History "A rewarding essay ... founded on comprehensive research and a profound knowledge of the era which none today can match." History Today "There is a great deal to admire in this book. It is shrewd and knowledgeable in its judgments, based on a tremendous amount of research, and has a lot of new and interesting things to say about the politics of mid–fifteenth century England." The Medieval Review "Hicks has made another considerable contribution to our understanding of fifteenth–century England, and this book is sure to be widely read and vigorously discussed." American Historical Review